Initiation of Explosives by Low Strength Shocks.
Abstract
The report describes a study of initiation processes involving weak (i.e., Kbar strength) shocks. The rapid collapse of a gas space onto the surface of an explosive has been photographed directly and it is shown that adiabatic heating of the gas can cause initiation of azide crystals within 10 to the -7th power seconds. Gas bubbles down to 50 micrometers in diameter have been shown to be effective. The impact behaviour of films of the secondary explosives, PETN, RDX, HMX, TNT and Tetryl in the drop-weight test has been photographed in transmission. PETN has been shown to ignite at local hot spots following melting and flow. Mass spectrometry studies of thermally induced and fracture induced decomposition due to fragmentation can be important. Experimental results on initiation by micro-particle impact and by electrical breakdown are presented. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0768227
Entities
People
- D. Tabor
- John Edwin Field
- M. M. Chaudhri
- S. N. Heavens
- W. L. Ng
Organizations
- University of Cambridge